New SNP chief Douglas Campbell, who is expected to be confirmed as council leader next week, said today: "I’m looking forward to working with colleagues in the Labour group and the Independent members.

"The priorities that we put to the voters in the council election were very similar and our discussions about forming and administration progressed very quickly."

Labour's Brian McGinley, who is tipped for the role of new council depute, added: "We view this working arrangement as a unique opportunity to advance the long held Labour values of tackling poverty, promoting equity and bringing about a socially just South Ayrshire by mitigating the effects of austerity on the most disadvantaged."

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